idealism
noun
ide·al·ism
| \ ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌliz-əm
, ˈī-(ˌ)dē-\
, ˈī-(ˌ)dē-\
Definition of idealism
2a(1)
: a theory that ultimate reality lies in a realm transcending phenomena
(2)
: a theory that the essential nature of reality lies in consciousness or reason
b(1)
: a theory that only the perceptible is real
(2)
: a theory that only mental states or entities are knowable
3
: literary or artistic theory or practice that affirms the preeminent value of imagination as compared with faithful copying of nature — compare realism
Examples of idealism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In Quentin Tarantino’s film, his gruesome crimes represent the end of Flower Power idealism. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, "Commentary: Charles Manson was a white supremacist. Why can’t pop culture seem to admit it?," 19 Aug. 2019 Taking insights from Judeo-Christian Gnosticism and a strain of Platonic idealism, the Course asserts that the material world is ultimately inconsequential. — Kayla Bartsch, National Review, "Marianne Williamson Offers Priestly Wisdom for a Nation Adrift — Seriously," 12 Aug. 2019 This is what passes for idealism in Washington these days. — David Rieff, Harper's magazine, "An American in the Treetops," 19 Aug. 2019 Capra's stirring patriotism found the perfect vehicle in James Stewart's wide-eyed senator, who learns a powerful lesson about the corrupt workings of politics without losing his heart and idealism. — Brian Lowry, CNN, "Essential movies of the 1930s and '40s, from 'King Kong' to 'The Heiress'," 15 Aug. 2019 Both presented an idyllic view of the weekend’s all-for-one idealism that played out in the mud on Max Yasgur’s dairy farm in rural New York. — Greg Kot, chicagotribune.com, "Everybody forgets Creedence Clearwater Revival headlined Woodstock in 1969. A new live recording will change that.," 14 Aug. 2019 Then everything got corporate, the idealism died (as did Hendrix and Morrison and Joplin and so forth) and an unsustainable time slipped into sweet nostalgia. — Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "Doc's Morning Line: Cincinnati Reds acquisition of pitcher Gausman positively extravagant," 6 Aug. 2019 The combination of desert minimalism and architectural daring ushered in an era of swizzle sticks and domestic idealism. — Jennifer Emerling, National Geographic, "Seeking silence on a California road trip," 6 Aug. 2019 For two and a half hours, moderate and progressive candidates grappled with whether pragmatism or idealism was the best formula for defeating Mr. Trump next year. — Alan Rappeport, New York Times, "Echo Trump’s Tough Talk, or Lift Tariffs? Democrats Clash Over Trade," 31 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'idealism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for idealism
idealism
noun
English Language Learners Definition of idealism
: the attitude of a person who believes that it is possible to live according to very high standards of behavior and honesty
See the full definition for idealism in the English Language Learners Dictionary
Keep scrolling for more